Marshall Rare Books
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
First editions, first impressions, with original illustrated dust jackets.
London: George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., 1954-1955. First editions, first impressions, with original illustrated dust jackets.
The Fellowship of the Ring. London: George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., 1954. First edition, first impression, with signature mark “4” to page 49. Octavo. 423, [1, colophon). Three illustrations after Tolkien and two maps (printed in red and black) after Tolkien’s son, Christopher: Map of the Shire (page 24), The Ring inscription (page 59), The Gate of Moria (page [319]), the inscription on Balin’s Tomb (page 333), large folding map (mounted to rear free endpaper recto). Publisher’s red cloth, spine stamped in gilt; original illustrated dust jacket. Internally clean and tight, all edges trimmed, top edge stained red; jacket unclipped (21s); Near fine book with near fine dust jacket.
[Together with]:
The Two Towers. London: George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., 1954. First edition, first impression, with signature mark “4” to page 49. Octavo. 352 pages. Illustrated with one large folding map after Christopher Tolkien, printed in red and black and mounted to rear free endpaper recto. Publisher’s red cloth, spine stamped in gilt; original illustrated dust jacket. Dust jacket unclipped (21s) Near fine book with near fine dust jacket.
[Together with]:
The Return of the King. London: George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., 1955. First edition, first impression, second state with reviews on rear flap. Octavo. 416 pages. Illustrated with one large folding map after Christopher Tolkien, printed in red and black and mounted to rear free endpaper recto. Publisher’s red cloth, spine stamped in gilt; original illustrated dust jacket. Dust jacket unclipped (21s); Near fine book with near fine dust jacket.
The first impression of The Fellowship of the Ring was composed of merely 3,000 copies, making a complete first edition, first impression set in this condition quite rare.
The Lord of the Rings is considered one of the greatest fantasy books ever written and it has helped to create and shape the modern fantasy genre. Since release, it has been reprinted many times and translated into at least 38 languages. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous references in popular culture, the founding of many societies by fans of Tolkien’s works, and the publication of many books about Tolkien and his works. It has inspired many derivative works, including paintings, music, films, television, video games, and board games.
Award-winning adaptations of The Lord of the Rings have been made for radio, theatre, and film. It was named Britain’s best-loved novel of all time in the BBC’s 2003 poll The Big Read